Australia begin their campaign in Tenerife against Nigeria on Saturday night (EST), and despite sitting at No.4 in the world they enter the tournament as second favourite behind heavyweights USA.

Much of that confidence is due to star centre Cambage’s recent form in the WNBA, where she notched a league record 53 points in a game for the Dallas Wings.

FIBA Hall of Famer and three-time Olympian Timms, who made history as the first Australian woman to play in Europe and the WNBA, warned Cambage to keep her cool when provoked - a skill she is mastering.

Liz Cambage is coming off a great season in the WNBA. Picture: Getty.Source:Getty Images

“Emotionally she’s grown as a player but she needs to be in a good headspace and not reacting,” she said.

“Teams are going to target her, they did in the WNBA this season and we saw she got a lot better at dealing with it.

“If she keeps her emotions balanced she’s unstoppable ... she could really take a stranglehold on the world here.”

Timms, who was an assistant coach at three Olympics, said Cambage had improved dramatically since rivals - including the Americans - sought to rattle her at London 2012 before the Opals claimed bronze.

She believes Cambage’s inside presence, the perimeter scoring threat offered by Sami Whitcomb and the team’s defensive depth means the Opals could topple the USA and claim their first World Cup since 2006.

“The way it’s all unfolded, they have a fantastic schedule and Liz is the best big player in the world, if not the best player,” said Timms.

“That’s a big statement but what we saw of her in the WNBA this season suggests that.”

Australia are drawn against world No.34 Nigeria, No.15 Argentina and No.7 Turkey in pool play while the USA, Japan and China.

Players to watch

Natalie Achonwa, Canada

Had a breakout season for the Indiana Fever this year, averaging a career-best 10.3 points and 6.9 rebounds. She’s part of the young core for Canada that also includes other WNBA players Kia Nurse and Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe. Achonwa provides strength and size in the middle for the Canadians, who are trying to medal for the first time since 1986 when the team won the bronze.

Liz Cambage, Australia

The 6-foot-8 Opals star came back to the WNBA this past season and dominated the competition after taking a few years away from the league. She led the WNBA in scoring, averaging 23 points, and set a league record with a 53-point performance against the New York Liberty. She’s the only person to dunk in the Olympics and might add one in the World Cup. She missed the 2014 tournament after rupturing her Achilles against the U.S. in an exhibition game and is now the face of the Australian team with former stars Lauren Jackson and Penny Taylor retired. For the Australians to have a shot at upending the United States, she’ll have to have a stellar tournament.

Sandrine Gruda, France

With the great French point guard Celine Dumerc retired from the national team, Gruda provides the veteran voice for the European nation. She was a huge part of France’s silver medal run at the 2012 Olympics and provides size. Surprisingly, the French haven’t medaled in this tournament since 1953 - when the team earned a bronze. She’ll need to provide a steady hand for that to change this time around.

Evina Maltsi, Greece

The oldest player in the tournament, Maltsi may not have the same name recognition in the U.S. as some of the other players on the list, but she’s been a steady force for Greece over the past decade. She was key in Greece’s run to the semis of the EuroBasket tournament.

Alba Torrens, Spain

Arguably the best player in Europe, Torrens has been part of the Spanish national team since 2008. She helped the team to a silver medal in the last world championship and the Rio Olympics in 2016. She’d like nothing more to lead her team to the championship on the home soil.